Former Pompey award-winner handed free transfer

Gareth Evans is targeting more scoring success to end his ‘disappointing’ Pompey goal return.

The wide midfielder grabbed his fourth goal of the season in Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of Hartlepool.

I’ve had four cleared off the line, hit the bar twice and the post three times so there has been bad luck as much as anything

Gareth Evans

That represents a decent tally from the 27-year-old, who has featured 22 times for Paul Cook’s side since arriving in the summer.

But Evans has been left unhappy with the total during the first half of a campaign in which the Blues have remained in the promotion hunt.

Already, he has equalled his return during the whole of last season with Fleetwood.

Yet the former Macclesfield player is determined to up his game and net plenty more.

‘I’ve been having a lot of chances over the last nine to 10 games but not been able to put the ball into the back of the net,’ said Evans.

‘I don’t think I’ve been connecting with the ball too well.

‘Even on Saturday when it came down to it I didn’t kick it that well and the ball has ended up in the back of the net. Maybe I need to shank a few more!

‘I have four goals so far but I’m not particularly happy with that. It’s disappointing.

‘I should have more so it’s just going to be a case of trying to maintain good habits and goals will come.

‘I’ve had four cleared off the line, hit the bar twice and the post three times, so there has been bad luck as much as anything. But I want to score more.

‘I’ve not set myself a target, just to get as many as I can. I once got 13 in a season at Macclesfield.

‘I’m really enjoying playing in this position, though, Last year at Fleetwood I was playing on the inside of the diamond every game and it took away being able to get into the box because of so much defensive responsibility.

‘Now I am enjoying breaking into the box and getting on the end of things.’

The goals have started to flow for Pompey at Fratton Park following a lean period.

Saturday’s four took the tally up to 11 in the past three home appearances, with Caolan Lavery and Marc McNulty among the thick of them.

Certainly enough to suggest the Blues have learned how to break down stubborn away sides intent on defending.

Evans added: ‘I think we have solved it (goalscoring at home). We have got used to working out ways to break teams down – and credit to the gaffer to that.

‘Hopefully we can keep that up.

‘It’s a really good squad, we are full of confidence thanks to the number of goals we have produced in the last couple of games.

‘I don’t want to say we are the finished article and that is the end of it because it is a long season, but the fact the goals have come and the confidence is getting boosted every game is a plus.’